*TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses* 

     A simple conversation, professional care, meditation. These are valuable methods of coping with mental disorders. 

     There is truly no way to avoid having a mental illness, says Mayo Clinic. Students are particularly at high risk of having depression, reports Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program, which can decrease a student’s ability to perform to their fullest ability in school.

     What’s being done in the buildings about this? Not nearly enough. Sure, there are guidance counselors whom some students may not feel comfortable talking to. 

      The Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program mentions that “teens with a family history of depression or mental illness” have a higher likelihood of suffering from the same or another “mental disorder.” This statistic should not prohibit select students from being able to receive the same education as their peers. 

        By implementing new standards for mental health in the school systems, there can be equal opportunities for all students to thrive. And, while students cannot prevent mental illnesses from developing, there can be programs instituted to ensure the intellectual well-being of all students.  

     According to youth.gov, “[studies] have shown the value of developing comprehensive school mental health programs” in “helping students achieve academically and have access to experiences that build social skills, leadership, self-awareness, and caring connections to adults in their school and community.”   

     Youth.gov also expresses that schools that choose to “collaborate with community partners” have “found they can enhance the academic success of individual students.” These alliances have also been proven to “significantly improve schoolwide truancy and discipline rates, increase the rates of high school graduation, and create a positive school environment.”  

     Schools should always be advocating for mental health awareness. With buildings filled to the brim with adolescents who are at high risk for mental illnesses, there’s no logical explanation as to why teachers should be uneducated on the topic. 

     American Addiction Centers acknowledges that there should be the incorporation of “seminars with information on the subject”, which will “promote observant teachers who are trained to look for warning signs.” The educators may then be able to “notice changes in their students’ behavior.” 

     The Addiction Center promotes having “a wellness center on-campus, designed by students and easily accessible to all students,” which will provide adolescents with a safe space to have check-ins. This can serve as a location where students can visit “for any reason,” says the center.   

     With a designated area for students to visit when feeling stressed, anxious, or anything less than their best, the school can promote the normalcy of not feeling okay at all times. The education systems can administer the “necessary check-ins that allow for a healthier classroom environment”, says The American Addiction Center.   

     Students need to be provided with all the resources possible to perform adequately both at school and at home. The education system should be willing to promote this necessity and encourage others to arrange for the administration of these resources.